After the shift change, which patient in the emergency department should the nurse prioritize for assessment?

A 39-year-old patient experiencing tenderness and swelling in the right calf following a flight.

A 58-year-old patient on anticoagulants for atrial fibrillation presenting with black stools.

A 67-year-old patient with a gangrenous foot ulcer and a weak pedal pulse.

A 50-year-old patient reporting sudden, severe upper back pain.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale
A 39-year-old patient experiencing tenderness and swelling in the right calf following a flight may be experiencing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition that can lead to serious complications such as pulmonary embolism if not treated. However, DVT is not immediately life-threatening in most cases.
Choice B rationale
A 58-year-old patient on anticoagulants for atrial fibrillation presenting with black stools is likely experiencing gastrointestinal bleeding, a common side effect of anticoagulant therapy. This can lead to severe blood loss, anemia, and hypovolemic shock, which can be life-threatening if not promptly addressed. Therefore, this patient should be prioritized for assessment.
Choice C rationale
A 67-year-old patient with a gangrenous foot ulcer and a weak pedal pulse likely has peripheral artery disease and an infection that could lead to sepsis if not treated. However, while this condition needs medical attention, it is not as immediately life-threatening as gastrointestinal bleeding.
Choice D rationale
A 50-year-old patient reporting sudden, severe upper back pain could be experiencing a number of conditions, ranging from musculoskeletal strain to aortic dissection. While an aortic dissection is a medical emergency, without additional symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or loss of consciousness, this patient is not the highest priority.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Sexual activity uses about as much energy as climbing two flights of stairs. This comparison can help patients understand that if they can perform activities of similar exertion without chest pain or undue fatigue, it may be safe to resume sexual activity. However, patients should always consult with their healthcare provider before resuming sexual activity after an acute myocardial infarction (AMI).
Choice B rationale
While holding and cuddling are good ways to maintain intimacy after a heart attack, this does not directly address the patient’s question about safely resuming sexual intercourse.
Choice C rationale
While it is true that the doctor will provide sexual guidelines when the patient’s heart is strong enough, this response does not provide the patient with immediate guidance or reassurance.
Choice D rationale
While most patients are able to enjoy intercourse without any complications, this statement may be too general and does not take into account the individual patient’s health status and recovery progress.

A. The patient has been fasting for the day. B. The patient has a shellfish allergy. C. The patient experienced a heart attack one year ago. D. The patient’s pedal pulses are rated at +1.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale
While fasting may be required before certain procedures, it is not the most crucial piece of information that the nurse needs to relay to the healthcare provider prior to a cardiac catheterization and coronary angiogram.
Choice B rationale
A shellfish allergy is crucial information because the dye used in an angiogram can cause an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to shellfish.
Choice C rationale
Although a previous heart attack is significant medical history, it is not the most crucial piece of information to relay prior to this procedure.
Choice D rationale
The rating of the patient’s pedal pulses is not the most crucial piece of information to relay prior to this procedure.

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After the shift change, which patient in the emergency department should the nurse prioritize for assessment?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

For a patient recovering from an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) who inquires about safely resuming sexual intercourse, what would be the best response from the nurse?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

When preparing a patient for a cardiac catheterization and coronary angiogram, which piece of information about the patient is crucial for the nurse to relay to the healthcare provider prior to the procedure?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A patient with heart failure has recently started taking Digoxin (Lanoxin), Furosemide (Lasix), and Captopril. Which finding by the home health nurse is a priority to communicate to the healthcare provider?

Upon receiving a change-of-shift report about four patients in a heart failure unit, which patient should the nurse prioritize for assessment?

Which patient statement would help the nurse confirm a previous diagnosis of chronic stable angina?

A 56-year-old individual visits his primary care provider for a routine checkup.The physical examination reveals edema, an enlarged liver (hepatomegaly), and muffled heart sounds. Which of the following findings should the nurse be most concerned about?

A 52-year-old male is diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, presenting with pooling of blood in the veins of the lower extremities and edema. Which of the following is an expected assessment finding of this disorder?

A 75-year-old male experiences severe chest pain and calls 911. Given that lab findings indicate elevated levels of cardiac troponins I and T, what condition does the nurse suspect?

A client exhibits tachycardia, severe dyspnea, diaphoresis, crackles, and profuse, frothy pink sputum. What position should the nurse place the client in?